Monday, July 20, 2009

I definitely haven't read any other young adult books on the topic, but it is an important one, and this book illustrates exactly why. Luna is the chosen name of Liam, a transgendered individual, who is trying to find their place in the world. The book is narrated by Liam/Luna's sister, Regan. I was greatly educated about what being transgendered is like to the individual and those around them. Luna illustrates that being transgendered isn't a random, once-in-a-while thing, that it's a constant state of being taking over someone's life. There are two stories going on at the same time, Liam/Luna's, and Regan's. Regan is trying to gain a life of her own, but her sibling needs attention, and as the keeper of his secret, Regan's life revolves around Luna's. In addition, the kids are constantly struggling with their parents, and watching the interactions with their dad was probably one of my favorite parts of the book. I was very confused at the beginning with the difference between transgendered and transsexual, and was glad this was cleared up in the end. I was disappointed by the ending, but then again, I should have seen it coming. Leaving, while incredibly depressing, was the right thing for Luna to do, making for such a bittersweet ending, Luna flying off and Regan getting a life of her own. I really recommend this book if you are interested in transgender issues, or if you, like me, had no idea about them and what they were, and are in need of a little enlightenment.

"there are those who say that life is like a book, with chapters for each event in your life and a limited number of pages on which you can spend your time. but i prefer to think that a book is like a life, particularly a good one, which is well worth staying up all night to finish"--lemony snicket